Italy vs France LIVE rugby: Result and reaction from Six Nations as Les Bleus run rampant in Rome
Italy 24-73 France: The visitors delivered a statement performance to get their campaign back on track
France ran rampant in Rome to deliver a Six Nations statement with a 73-24 thrashing of Italy.
After a damaging defeat to England in round two, Fabien Galthie’s visitors were in a ruthless mood as they produced a scintillating display of attacking rugby to carve their hosts to pieces. Antoine Dupont starred throughout while Leo Barre and Theo Attissogbe, brought back into the side after Matthieu Jalibert and Damian Penaud were left out, also impressed, vindicating the France head coach after some bold calls.
Italy began brightly and matched Les Bleus in a frantic opening, with Tommaso Menoncello producing a sparkling score to open their account. But the Azzurri simply could not live with the power, pace and panache that France possess. Out of sight they surged to a mighty margin of victory to restore their confidence ahead of a huge meeting with Ireland in round four. With their points difference impressive after a similarly sizeable drubbing of Wales on the opening weekend, France will feel they are still firmly in the title chase.
Re-live all of the action from the Stadio Olimpico in our live blog below:
Italy 17-21 France, 29 minutes
Will this game ever settle down? France break free again and are on the hunt for a bonus point score...
France 21-17 Italy 27 minutes
What a game and what a contest. Italy take no time at all to respond with a try of their own with Juan rex running under the posts. Allan scores the conversion to add to his own personal tally. An entertaining first half for viewers
France 21-10 Italy 25 minutes
Thomas Ramos makes no mistake with the conversion, Italy will need to respond with points of their own to stay in this half
France 19-10 Italy 24 minutes
Try France! Antoine Dupont the French captain capitalising on a great break from Leo Barre and France extend their lead, their attack looking dangerous in this first half
France 14-10 Italy 23 minutes
Thomas Ramos expertly kicks the conversion from the touchline and France extend their lead. Italy restart and France take no time in exiting their half
TRY! FRANCE 14-10 Italy (Peato Mauvaka, 22 minutes)
Break in play currently with an Italian player receiving treatment, Menoncello seemingly ok as he returns to his feet.
And over France go! A meaty maul from the lineout that comes from a penalty 5 metres out, and Peato Mauvaka is the buried beneficiary.
France 7-10 Italy 20 minutes
French advantage and an Italian player down, France do cross the try line but Carl Dickson the referee brings it back for the original penalty
France 7-10 Italy 19 minutes
France are quick to get back on the attack with a lineout in the Italian half, Antoine Dupont steering his team around the pitch. France are held up over the try line and have a scrum on the Italian 5 meter line.
France 7-10 Italy 17 minutes
Tommaso Allan opts for another attempt at kicking a penalty goal and is successful from 40m. Italy ahead once again
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